Blog: ShopSmart Secrets For Saving Even More At Discount Stores

By Jim Donovan: Shoppers are bound to get a good deal at a discount store, but having a strategy can save them even more. The October 2013 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, shares secrets for getting the best deals on clothing, accessories and more at Kohl’s, JCPenney, H&M, Target, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls.

“Using coupons only isn’t going to get you the absolute best deal anymore,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “Knowing about retailer’s pricing strategies and other tricks can help you really maximize your savings.”

Secrets for Saving Even More at Discount Stores

Use a store credit card. Kohl’s gives cardholders 15 percent off their first purchase, plus exclusive coupons and discounts all year long. Target Red Card users get 5 percent off everything and free shipping for online orders. TJX credit card holders get $10 back for every $200 they spend at Marshalls, T.J.Maxx or HomeGoods, with no annual fee.

Shop on certain days of the week. Markdowns at Marshalls and T.J.Maxx usually happen on Wednesdays. Kohl’s shoppers who are age 60-plus get an extra 15 percent off in stores every Wednesday. The hottest-selling items from H&M’s latest campaigns usually hit floors on Thursdays. At Target, women’s clothes are generally marked down on Tuesdays, men’s on Wednesdays, and kids’ on Mondays.

Go mobile. H&M’s app sends users sale alerts and gives instructions on getting coupon codes on their smart phone. Text “Coupons” to TARGET for access to a wide range of mobile coupons that can be used in-store.

Get social. Become a fan of H&M on Facebook and Twitter to get access to potential savings. T.J.Maxx shoppers who share photos of their finds with #maxxinista on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook could win a $1,000 gift card.

For additional tips on saving even more at discount stores, check out the full report in ShopSmart’s October issue and for more information about ShopSmart visit www.ShopSmartmag.org.